Start a home studio picture framing business

Local households, artists and photographers, interior decorators, small cafes and offices wanting wall art framed.

Price per frame based on size, moulding, mat and glass choices, plus charges for mounting, stretching or conservation work.

• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Good eye for colour and proportion
• Patient, tidy hands-on work
• Quoting and customer service

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business, especially with noise and customer visits
• Public liability insurance, plus cover for customers' artwork in your care
• Safe use of cutting equipment and handling of glass; dust and offcuts need managing
• Mistakes can ruin valuable or sentimental pieces, so test and quote carefully

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the equipment, mouldings and materials you buy. These are estimates only, so price your cutting tools, workspace setup and insurance before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your pricing, the hours you put in and how many local customers, artists and decorators you attract. Treat this as an estimate, not a guarantee. Many start at around 8 hours a week.

Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business, especially around noise and customer visits. Also check public liability insurance, cover for customers' artwork, and safe use of cutting equipment and glass.